Dr. Marietta Flores graduated from the University of Costa Rica with a Licentiate Degree in Microbiology and Clinical Chemistry. Her postgraduate studies were carried out at the Microbiology and Tumor Biology Center of the Karolinska Institute in Tumor and Cell Biology. Since 1999 she works as a researcher for the Clodomiro Picado Institute, she is also a teacher of the Faculty of Microbiology and the Postgraduate Study System of the University of Costa Rica. Dr. Flores was granted the Clodomiro Picado Twight National Award in Science on 2003 for her work “Role of Clostridium perfringens Phospholipase C in the Pathogenesis of Gas Gangrene” which contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms of action of this important bacterial toxin. The relevance of Dr. Flores’ contributions is evidenced in over 35 publications in prestigious international scientific journals, as well as by her participation in scientific congresses of high standing in different countries. 

Dr. Flores’ research has two main lines of focus: DNA cloning and expression coding through snake venom toxins, and the study of toxins produced by Clostridium perfringens using cell cultures, animal models, microscopy and molecular biology.